Friday, November 5, 2010

On November 6th, 2005, Super Junior debuted with their first stage on SBS “Inkigayo“, winning the attention of the industry and audience with their large member count. The group continued their stellar success by branching out into various entertainment fields over the past 5 years. No longer containable within Korea’s wee market, the group burst to stardom in the whole of Asia.

In celebration of their fifth anniversary just around the corner, let’s take a tour of Super Junior’s five year long history.

On top of their singing careers, the members of Super Junior have branched out as actors, MCs, DJs, comedians, producers and models since their debut, letting the versatile individuals find their niche talent. Their “separate but together” was their motto and catchphrase since the debut. Though this strategy received questionable reaction from the industry, it is now widely accepted and emulated in the current market where all-around entertainers are highly coveted.

Even now, “separate but together” is their logo, earning praise and prominence in various fields. Siwon,Heechul, Kibum and Donghae all earned recognition as actors; Leetuek, EunHyuk and Shindongare daily doses of laughter with Radio DJing and variety shows; finally, Kyuhyun, Yesung, Sungmin,Ryeowook and Donghae actively participate in musicals and OSTs.

2. SuJu’s unique concept of “unit systems”

Super Junior pioneered the “unit system.” It was as unique and foreign as the “separate but together” strategy, but within years, various groups utilized the same method, making the unit system a landmark concept.

With excellent vocals, Kyuhyun, Ryeowook and Yesung created Suju’s ballad unit “Super Junior K.R.Y.” “Super Junior-T” was the first idol formation to delve into trot music. They also won various awards in China with “Super Junior-M” and when focusing on pleasant music created “Super Junior-Happy” to transform and fit into different performances and stages.

3. Widespread success across Asia

Super Junior’s story-packed five year history lead to their current status as one of the lead idol groups of Korea, winning the attention of the whole Asian continent.

Their 3rd album “Sorry Sorry” sold over 250 thousand copies and earned the Golden Disk Award, won the title “Album King” of 2009, was named “2009 Asia’s Most Popular Single” by Thailand’s Channel.V, ranked 1st for 36 straight weeks on Taiwan’s KKBOX, and 34 weeks on ezpeer+. The single “Sorry Sorry” spread like an epidemic in Asia.

Additionally, SuJu’s 4th album “BONAMANA” is expected to top album sales again, reigned for 22 weeks on KKBOX, and Japan’s famous drama named Super Junior as Korea’s top group, affirming their Asia’s superstar title.

Furthermore, their second Asia tour “Super Show 2” was presented fifteen times across nine cities and “Super Show 3″ across thirteen cities enthralling the global fans.

On November 6th, Super Junior will hold a party with their official fanclub at Seoul Korea University to commemorate their 5th year anniversary. Congrats to this talented group – we look forward to what the future years will bring!